Essential Supplies for Your Dog First Aid Kit

When in doubt about whether something is an emergency or not, err on the side of caution.

As a responsible pet owner, it's important that you're prepared to help your dog get the care he needs in the unfortunate event of an emergency.

So, what constitutes an emergency? Examples of emergency situations include — but are not limited to — heatstroke, hypothermia, bleeding, difficulty breathing, limb fractures (breaks), snakebites, insect stings or allergic reactions or if your dog has eaten a foreign object or something toxic. In the event of an emergency, immediately call your veterinarian. And remember, when in doubt about whether something is an emergency or not, err on the side of caution.

In some cases your veterinarian might give you guidance regarding treatment. It can be helpful to have a first aid kit at the ready. Assemble a first aid kit — ahead of time, of course — with the following:

rectal thermometer and petroleum jelly for lubrication

scissors

tweezers

sterile gauze dressings

self-adhesive bandage

instant cold compress

a bottle of sterile water or sterile saline for flushing wounds or eyes

antiseptic skin ointment

hydrogen peroxide

sterile gauze pads

pen light

towel

first aid instructions

veterinarian and emergency clinic numbers

In other cases, your veterinarian might tell you to bring your dog in immediately or direct you to a 24-hour emergency clinic.

Emergencies are scary but if you're prepared, you can help to provide the best possible outcome for your dog.